A large number of amateur golfers of different level of skill hinder the improvement of their golf game because they believe they’re “not sufficient” to be able to have a fitting. They claim that when their golf game begins to improve, they’ll seek out an experienced fitting however, it’s not a good idea at this point.
To set the facts straight, I spoke with a professional fitting professional (Tim Briand) and a professional swing coach (Todd Sones, who was a GOLF Magazine Best 100 Instructor). Although Briand is a fitter for clubs as well as Sones instructors, the two experts agree that playing with unfit equipment is an enormous obstacle to both growth and enjoyment.
“Some golfers believe that they need to reach an exact level in order to be fit, but this is not the case,” Sones said. “Using the wrong club for you could negatively impact your swing and lead to develop negative habits.”
Sones have compared the process of learning using the wrong clubs as learning to ride a bicycle with the wrong bike, which is either too small or too large. In addition, poorly-fitting equipment cause inadequate swing development as well, it causes the game to be more difficult which discourages you from playing.
“It’s crucial that newbies exercise because we create our swings based on the equipment we play with without conscious of that we are doing it” Briand says. “For instance, John Daly started out with his dad’s heavy golf clubs, and one reason his backswing became long was due to the fact that he didn’t possess the strength to swing the clubs.”
Evidently, it worked eventually for Daly however, that story will show how your swing could be significantly affected by the clubs you play with in the beginning of learning the game. If a club is short or too long, lightor heavy or your lie angle could be wrong, the design of the club is not the right layout, or the other elements are not right it could set yourself to fail.
“Sometimes individuals have negative first experience in golf, and then they’re discouraged from playing the game before they’ve even started. However, it could be because they’re using clubs that don’t fit the swing they’re playing,” Sones says.
What is the best method to get the right clubs and to also enhance the golf game?
The two Briand and Sones both agree on a solution. Prior to beginning lessons and changing your swing you must talk to a professional fitter or a local professional to conduct a baseline assessment. As a result of this evaluation, you must ensure that your clubs are appropriate for you or at a minimum, are within the correct wheelhouse. If they’re not, get a club builder to modify or substitute your clubs by acquiring a new set.
If you’re given a golf consultation, pay attention to what the professional has to say and make detailed notes. For beginners, that the professional recommends higher loft for your driver, shafts that are lighter with less flexibility, and more flexible irons. If, for instance, you’re a beginner golfer and is using blade irons with stiff steel shafts that are long and hefty most likely, they’re not suitable for your game. If your swing improves dramatically by working with an expert coach, you’ll still be fighting an uphill struggle.
It’s crucial to keep in mind that you don’t have to purchase the latest and most powerful equipment to make it a perfect fit. There’s no need to spend $3000 on new and shiny clubs, and you don’t have to purchase the entire set.
Sones advises that students who are just beginning to learn to start with a handful of clubs that will fit. For instance, you can start with the sand wedge pitched wedge, and driver. This will give you some suitable tools to start learning.
After you’ve got just a couple of clubs or a complete set that’s right in the wheelhouse for your ability level and size, as well as budget, you’ll be able begin to improve your golf swing with a seasoned instructor. Spend the money you have saved by purchasing second-hand equipment and put it towards lessons with a qualified instructor.
“Your experience at the front line can have an impact on how much you’re enjoying the game,” Sones says. “You should talk to an experienced club fitter when you are aware that you’ll be playing the game. After that, conduct your research. Find the best instructor. Remember, one excellent lesson can be worth five bad lessons over the long haul.”
Additionally, once you’ve found the right teacher Communication is crucial. Speak to your instructor regarding your equipment. Inform the teacher about the equipment you own and also that you are planning to get a complete club fitting in the near future. You should try to get the club fitter in contact with your swing coach to come up with a extensive plan.
It is probable that your swing pattern will change after many lessons. The angle you strike may alter, the method you use for getting the club out of your hands could change as well, and you’ll (hopefully) improve your strength and speed, too. As those changes begin to show signs of progress and your game is advancing beyond the initial set, you’re prepared for a full bag fitting and you can put cash in new clubs.
In the end Here are the suggested steps you should take to prepare yourself enjoy great golf and have fun for a lifetime:
1. Request a club consultation with an experienced professional
2. Make the necessary adjustments to your current set or invest in a more affordable set as a starter (anywhere between 1-14 clubs)
3. Look up instructors in your region and select one
4. Talk to your instructor about the equipment you have.
5. Do your best in order to enhance your golf swing.
6. When your game and your finances are in order, you can get the full fitting of your bag and buy the best clubs for you.